What difficulties do older people in a youthful population like India face? Describe the main policy provisions that are targeted at this particular population category.
Model Answer Importance of Policies for the Elderly in India India's elderly population (aged 60 and above) is projected to reach 194 million by 2031, up from 138 million in 2021, marking a 41% increase (National Statistical Office, NSO, 2021). The growth rate of the elderly population between 2011Read more
Model Answer
Importance of Policies for the Elderly in India
India’s elderly population (aged 60 and above) is projected to reach 194 million by 2031, up from 138 million in 2021, marking a 41% increase (National Statistical Office, NSO, 2021). The growth rate of the elderly population between 2011 and 2021 was approximately three times that of the general population. This demographic shift underscores the necessity for targeted policies for the elderly, which are essential for India’s overall development.
Key Issues Facing the Elderly
- Health Issues: Aging leads to various physiological changes, resulting in reduced immunity and increased morbidity. Rising healthcare costs necessitate a robust policy framework to address these health challenges.
- Income Insecurity: Retirement often leads to a loss of income, exacerbating healthcare costs and affecting self-esteem. Policies must ensure financial security for the elderly.
- Technology Adoption: Many elderly individuals find it challenging to engage with emerging technologies. Policies should aim to bridge the digital divide, facilitating their access to technology.
- Awareness Generation: Lack of awareness regarding social security schemes contributes to low accessibility. Policies need to focus on informing the elderly about available resources.
- Holistic Legal Framework: Current laws, such as the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, require updates to address issues faced by childless elderly individuals and those who transferred property prior to the Act.
Economic and Social Contributions
Addressing these issues is crucial for India’s development for several reasons:
- Economic Development: The elderly contribute significantly to the economy through continued workforce participation, taxes, and resource transfers to families.
- Unpaid Care Work: Many elderly individuals, particularly women, provide essential unpaid care, supporting family members, including those with disabilities.
- Political Participation: In some contexts, elderly individuals can influence political outcomes, leveraging their economic resources and experience.
- Social Capital: The elderly often engage in community activities, volunteering, and governance, enriching social capital.
In light of the growing elderly population, it is imperative to recognize the opportunities that aging presents for sustainable development. Comprehensive policies will not only enhance the quality of life for the elderly but will also contribute to the broader socio-economic fabric of India.
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According to the Census 2011, India has nearly 8% population having age 60 years or above. Economic Survey 2019 highlights that while India as a whole will enjoy the 'demographic dividend' phase, some states will start transitioning to a to an ageing society by the 2030s, and the share of the elderlRead more
According to the Census 2011, India has nearly 8% population having age 60 years or above. Economic Survey 2019 highlights that while India as a whole will enjoy the ‘demographic dividend’ phase, some states will start transitioning to a to an ageing society by the 2030s, and the share of the elderly in India will continue to rise steadily to nearly double to 16% by 2041.
Challenges faced by the elderly population in India:
Taking into account the demographic explosion among the elderly, the changing economy and social milieu, advancement in medical research, science and technology and high levels of destitution among the elderly rural poor, a National Policy on Senior citizens was adopted in 2011. Other key policy provisions in this context are:
The government should create an environment that provides senior citizens with equal opportunities, protects their rights and enables their full participation in society so that this potential ‘elderly burden’ converts into a ‘longevity dividend’. This will require investments in health care as well as a plan for increasing the retirement age.
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